Mental Health Awareness with The Anti

Mental health is woven into the very fabric of our culture at The Anti. One of the ways we uphold this commitment is by observing the Friday before Memorial Day as our dedicated Mental Health Day. On this day, employees are encouraged to shut down their computers, step away from their desks, and engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-care. This initiative is a cornerstone of our year-round approach to employee wellness, which also includes access to The Calm app, a monthly Wellness Stipend, and a policy of unlimited PTO. These efforts were created to ensure that our team not only works but also lives well.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting what mental health means to our employees. Dive into their personal stories and insights below!

Wayne Chattaway, Founder & CEO: In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, and rightly so. Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it has often been overlooked or stigmatized in the past.

The shift to remote work has blurred the lines between work and personal life, leading to new challenges in maintaining mental well-being. As a firm believer in giving mental health the attention it deserves, I have made it a priority to support my team's mental health, especially in these challenging times.

I have personally experienced the impact of mental health struggles, having dealt with panic disorder in the past. Through counseling, cognitive therapy, and the use of The Calm app, I have been able to manage my condition effectively. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of providing support and resources for mental health in the workplace.

One of the ways I have supported my team is by offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program provides confidential counseling and support for a variety of personal and work-related issues. Additionally, I have ensured that everyone on my team has access to The Calm app, which offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

I believe that by prioritizing mental health, we can create a healthier and more productive work environment. It is essential to recognize that mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being and to provide the support and resources necessary to help everyone thrive, both personally and professionally.

Holly Snyder, Director of Consulting, Technical Leader: I didn’t really understand mental health until about 4 years ago. I previously thought it was something that didn’t apply to me, because I wasn’t diagnosed with something like depression or anxiety. However, I got to a place where I knew I needed help, and I felt I had exhausted everything else, so I decided to see a counselor, and that opened my eyes to what mental health really is. Mental health is different for each of us, and it does apply to every single one of us. For me, I have put my efforts into self-care which includes daily meditation and prayer. I also make it a priority to exercise regularly and TRY to eat well. I am also very aware of the way I talk to myself, because it is amazing how influential self-talk is over us. Since learning all of this and so much more, I have made it a priority to lay the groundwork for my children. I want them to know that mental health is not bad, and it is not only for certain people. It is for everyone, and I want to instill healthy habits in them now!

Julia Krebs-Moberg, Associate Project Manager: A few things I do to manage my mental health:

• Because I live on the West Coast and often work with East Coast clients, this one isn't always easy, but I try to get up at least an hour before my first call and have some screen-free time before I start my day. I will make a cup of coffee and either journal, read, or listen to music. I find it really helps to have some quiet time in the morning before I jump into work.

• I allocate a portion of my employee fitness stipend to a yoga studio membership. Taking a yoga class after work is the perfect way to get out of my head and back into my body after a crazy day.

• Get outside!!! I have a note on my front door that says "Did you go outside today?" I find this is especially important working from home, in an apartment, without pets. Whole days can pass without ever needing to step outside. After work walks are a great way to get outside, but I also love hiking, camping, and backpacking on the weekends.

• Work-talk boundaries. When I'm spending time with my friends over the weekend, I try to not talk about work too much. I find that it's really important to disconnect and not think about work when I'm off. I have found if I truly get a break, I am much more focused and energized when I am working.

Brandy Bass, Managing Partner: When it comes to mental health, I believe it's all about nurturing habits and engaging in activities that foster our optimal selves, regardless of the day's challenges. I prefer to think of it as maintaining mental fitness. For me, staying at my best involves a set of practices I prioritize regularly. These rituals serve as my personal anchors, empowering me to tackle each week with vigor and resilience.

Exercise: Committing to a rigorous workout routine five times a week has been transformative for me. Whether it's strength training or any form of physical activity, starting my day with exercise brings clarity and sets a positive tone. I've noticed that on workout days, my mood is uplifted, my patience is abundant, and my energy levels soar. As a natural achiever, I thrive on setting and achieving mini goals, which boosts my sense of accomplishment even before I dive into work.

Nature Time, Unplugged: Amidst the incessant buzz of technology, disconnecting is essential for restoring balance. When I'm at the barn caring for my horses or playing with my dogs, I intentionally detach from my phone. These moments of unplugged bliss not only recharge my spirit but also spark some of my most creative ideas. It's a refreshing form of rejuvenation that fuels me for the tasks ahead.

Prioritize Sleep: Recognizing the pivotal role sleep plays in my overall well-being, I prioritize getting a minimum of 6.5 hours of rest each work night. Sufficient sleep not only fuels my workouts but also enhances their benefits. Leveraging features like the iPhone bedtime schedule helps me maintain a consistent sleep routine, silencing distractions and allowing me to unwind before bedtime.

Embrace Focus: In a world of constant connectivity, maintaining focus amidst the digital noise is paramount. I've adopted a 'Work' mode on my iPhone during work hours, which silences all non-essential notifications, allowing me to immerse myself fully in tasks that demand my attention. By minimizing distractions, I maximize productivity and efficiency, fostering a sense of accomplishment throughout the day.

In essence, prioritizing mental health is a holistic endeavor that encompasses physical activity, unplugged moments in nature, quality sleep, and focused work habits. By incorporating these practices into my routine, I cultivate a resilient mindset that enables me to navigate life's challenges with grace and purpose.

About The Anti: In 2017, we realized traditional HR technology consulting desperately needed an overhaul. So, we flipped the script on consulting culture.

• We grew a team with expertise in real world HR process design and technology implementation

• We aggregated and refined the best practices we’d already proven elsewhere

• We rejected traditional friction points and changed consulting culture for the better

It caught on, and we have since delivered 350+ ServiceNow HRSD engagements as the only elite ServiceNow Partner committed to the employee experience workflow products. The Anti brings a unique blend of HR Consulting experience, HR Technology backgrounds, and HR Practitioner expertise to every engagement.

Types of engagements and how we can help

We offer a comprehensive range of assistance that encompasses five key types of engagement:

• Implementation Readiness Assessments

• User & Experience Design

• Initial Implementations (Phase 1)

• Follow-on Deployments (Phase 2+)

• Advisory and Managed Services

Our mission is to meet you where you are in your ServiceNow journey to ensure your project is a success. Whether you require help with the initial setup or need guidance on optimizing your deployment, we are here to help every step of the way. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, you can be sure you are in safe hands.

For more information or to schedule a call with our team, drop a note to aloha@theanti.com!